US: Cott Corporation restructures to cut costs

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 2 July 2007

Cott Corporation plans to merge two of its units in an effort to cut costs and "strengthen its relationship with retailers."

The company said last week that it will reduce costs by replacing the previous sales structure with customer development and solutions teams.

Cott's chief manufacturing & supply chain officer Rick Dobry will take on the role of president, North America. Dobry has over 20 years experience in the food and beverage industry for companies including Kraft, Tropicana, and Diageo.

As part of the realignment, the company's chief legal & ethics officer and corporate secretary Mark Halperin, president of its North America business unit John Dennehy and vice president of corporate communications Kerry Morgan will leave the company.

According to the company, the reductions will result in a charge of approximately US$8m in the second quarter and form part of restructuring costs previously announced last October.

Cott's chief executive officer Brent Willis said: "On behalf of the Cott board of directors and all of its employees, we wish to express our sincere appreciation to each departing employee for their contributions and commitment to the company."

Sectors: Soft drinks

Companies: Cott, Tropicana, Diageo